A former employee has taken legal action against a major retail corporation, alleging severe violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Lori Morrison filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on September 12, 2024, accusing Wal-Mart Associates, Inc., doing business as Sam’s Club, of discrimination, failure to accommodate her disability, and retaliation.
Morrison's complaint outlines a troubling series of events that began during her tenure as a cashier at Sam’s Club from 2012 until her termination on April 11, 2024. According to the filing, Morrison suffers from Forestier’s Disease, which causes painful bone formation in her spine and impacts her ability to perform certain physical activities. Despite this condition, she was able to fulfill her job duties effectively. The issues escalated in September 2023 when Morrison sustained a workplace injury after slipping and falling in the break room. This incident exacerbated her pre-existing condition, leading to unbearable pain.
The plaintiff alleges that despite informing her employer about the injury and its impact on her disability, no assistance or accommodations were provided. Consequently, Morrison retained a workers’ compensation attorney and went on leave shortly thereafter. In February 2024, she was cleared by her physician to return to work under light duty conditions—a request that initially led to an accommodation where she answered phones at a desk. However, after two weeks in this role, Morrison was abruptly removed from the schedule by manager John Regalado and placed on unpaid leave for not completing physical therapy—a directive she had been advised against by her doctor due to the severity of her condition.
The situation deteriorated further when another manager informed Morrison in early April 2024 that there was no light-duty work available for her upon her return. On April 11, 2024, she received a letter terminating her employment. Morrison contends that this termination was not based on job performance but rather on discriminatory grounds related to her disability and retaliation for exercising her rights under the ADA.
In seeking redress from the court, Morrison is asking for back pay with interest, loss of benefits compensation, punitive damages, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Lori Morrison is Mohammed O. Badwan from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while Wal-Mart Associates will likely be represented by their legal team at Littler Mendelson P.C. The case is presided over by Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre under Case ID: 1:24-cv-08366.